Apparatus for processing sheet metal

ABSTRACT

A frame supports sheet metal vertically for movement sequentially through vertically disposed sheet metal shearing, rolling, bending, edge-forming and cutoff components. The bending component includes a resilient plastic female die bar and a cooperating metal male die bar and notching cutter and is mounted for pivotal movement on a vertical axis during the bending operation. The forming and cutoff component is supported for vertical movement and for rotation to afford edge-forming selectively of vertical and horizontal edges of sheet metal.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Jerald G.Fleming 1,060,387 4/1913 Wait 72/D1G. 14 2317 Waverly Drive South, Albany, Oreg. 1,962,872 6/1934 Moon. 72/199 97321 2,644,416 7/1953 Miller... 72/210 [21] AppLNo. 830,674 3,332,268 7/1967 Hiegel 72/180 [22] Filed JuneS, 1969 3,500,673 3/1970 Wheeler 72/220 [45] Patented Dec.28, 1971 FOREIGN N S I 736,112 8/1955 Great Britain 72/180 [54] APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING SHEET METAL P i E i -Ch rl s W, Lanham 16 Claims, 12 Drawing Figs. Assistant Examiner-R. M. Rogers 521 user 72/203,

72/250 [51] lnt.C1 ..;22l1:3l9/?2(8 ABSTRACT: A frame Supports Sheet metal vertically for 50 M is h 72199 movement sequentially through vertically disposed sheet 1 metal shearing, rolling, bending, edge-forming and cutoff 5 components. The bending component includes a resilient plastic female die bar and a cooperating metal male die bar [56] Reerences cued andfnotlchinggutter 212d mgunted for pivotarlgnotyement on:

verica axis unng e en mg opera ion. e orming an UNTED STATES PATENTS cutoff component is supported for vertical movement and for 193,082 7/1877 Griffin 72/337 rotation to afford edge-forming selectively of vertical and 402,140 4/1889 Carr 72/214 horizonmedges f h w PATENTED DEL'28 Ian SHEET 1 [1F 3 Jerald G.Flem1'n q INVENTOR APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING SHEET METAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apparatus for working sheet metal, and more particularly to such apparatus arranged vertically for processing sheet metal disposed in a substantially vertical plane.

In prior apparatus for processing sheet metal the components are arranged horizontally for working sheet metal disposed in a horizontal plane. Excessive plant floor space is required not only for the apparatus but also for sufiicient clearance around the apparatus to accommodate maneuvering the sheets of metal. Moreover, the bending component of such apparatus operates when bending sheet metal to elevate one section of the sheet angularly upward from the horizontal sheet support of the apparatus. When working with large sheets such operation requires the attendance of at least one person in addition to the operator, for supporting the elevating section as it is bent upward. Still further, such prior apparatus is of such size and weight as to be incapable of portability. Accordingly, all processing of sheet metal must be done at a fixed facility and then transported to a site of installation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In its basic concept the apparatus of this invention provides a plurality of metal working components arranged vertically, whereby to accommodate movement and processing of sheet metal also arranged vertically in a stable and easily maneuverable condition.

It is by virtue of the foregoing basic concept that the principal objective of the present invention is achieved, namely to overcome the above enumerated disadvantages of prior apparatus.

Another object of this invention is the provision of apparatus of the class described which affords bending of the sheet metal in a manner in which one section is held against the backing support and the other section is bent outward about a vertical axis, thereby requiring no assistance for the single operator.

A further object of this invention is the provision of apparatus of the class described by which sheet metal may be provided with end notches simultaneously during the bending operation.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of apparatus of the class described which provides for edge forming of sheet metal along vertical or horizontal edges.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of this invention will appear from the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a foreshortened, fragmentary view in front elevation of apparatus embodying the features of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of an adjustable sheet stop fonning a part of this invention.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 4- 4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a foreshortened, fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 5-5 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a foreshortened, fragmentary front elevation as viewed from the right in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on the line 77 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 8- 8 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary front elevation of the edge forming component of the apparatus of this invention.

FIG. 10 is a foreshortened, fragmentary side elevation, partly in section, as viewed from the right in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary plan view as viewed from the top in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary side elevation as viewed from the left in FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring first primarily to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the apparatus of this invention includes an upright frame formed of the front vertical frame members 10, rear vertical frame members l2, horizontal transverse members 14 and horizontal longitudinal members 16. Although the front upright frame members are inclined slightly from true vertical, as illustrated in FIG. 2, to facilitate the support and movement of sheet material through the apparatus, as described hereinafter, they are considered for all practical purposes to be vertical.

At the left end of the frame there is shown a roll 18 of glass fiber or other mat type insulating material supported for rotation on a vertical shaft 20 journaled in bearings carried by the longitudinal frame members 16.

To the right of the roll 18 there is mounted vertically on the frame a conventional sheet metal shear 22 in which a movable blade cooperates with an anvil to effect the cutting of sheet metal. For this purpose an elongated backing support 24, such as plywood sheeting, is secured to the front frame members 10 to the right of the shear, for supporting sheet metal for processing by the shear. The bottom of the sheet metal rests on an elongated edge support which extends horizontally to the right to the shear.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the elongated edge support includes the elongated angle iron 16' secured to the front vertical frame members. The horizontal section of the angle iron projects frontward from under the backing support 24 and mounts the elongated channel iron 26 secured thereto by such means as welding. The rearward side of the channel iron is spaced outward of the backing support to provide a guide groove 28 in which to slidably confine the bottom edge of a metal sheet.

Disposed within the channel iron is an elongated graduated scale 30 which extends toward the right in FIG. 1 from the cutting edge of the shear. This scale facilitates adjustment of a sheet of metal relative to the shear, for quickly establishing the desired cutting line.

In the production shearing of sheet metal to provide a plurality of sheets of predetermined length, an adjustable stop also is provided (FIGS. 3 and 4). This stop includes an angular base member, the top section 32 of which overlies the channel iron and the front section 34 of which projects downward along the front face of the angle iron. A rib 36 projects downward from the under side of the top section, inward of the front section, to provide a groove in which to slidably receive the front portion of the channel iron. A threaded boss 38 projects inward of the front section and receives the clamp screw 40. By tightening the clamp screw against the underside of the channel iron the base member is secured thereto in any desired position of adjustment longitudinally of the channel iron.

A stop plate 42 is mounted pivotally on the top section 32 of the base member, by means of the pivot pin 44. A notch 46 provided in the outer edge of the stop member receives the pointed end of the resilient spring 48 which is secured to the base member by such means as the bolt 50. Referring particularly to FIG. 3, the stop plate may be pivoted about the pin selectively to move the opposite inner ends of the stop members into abutment with the backing support 24. As the notch 46 rotates across dead center with relation to the pivot pin 44, the spring 48 urges further rotation of the stop plate until it abuts the backing support. The stop member thus may function in cooperation with the shear, by rotating the stop member clockwise from the position illustrated in FIG. 3.

Adjacent the right end of the backing support 24 is a door 52 mounted on hinges 54 secured to one of the front upright frame members to swing inward and expose a sheet metal storage assembly best illustrated in FIG. 2. Between the front and rear upright frame members are a pair of substantially horizontal, elongated floor members 56 and 58. The upper floor member 56 preferably is located at the level of the edge support guide groove 28 so that sheet metal stored above said floor may be withdrawn and deposited on the edge support 16 with minimum physical effort. The space above the floor and between the front and rear upright frame members is divided into compartments by the spacer panels 60. Similar spacer panels 62 are provided between the floors 56 and 58 for the storage of scrap or narrow width sheet material.

Alternatively, the spacer panels 60 may be omitted and the storage space provided with means for mounting sheet metal in roll form.

To the right of the door 52 is an additional length of backing support 24, the right-hand edge of which terminates adjacent a sheet metal rolling component 64. This is essentially a standard type of metal roll such as those well known in the trade under the trademarks Niagra, Pexto and others. However, it is modified in the following respects: The unit is mounted vertically on the frame for pivotal movement about the axis of pivot shafts 66 mounted in bearings carried by the horizontal longitudinal frame members. The driven roll 68, normally of metal, is provided with an outer sleeve of rubber or other resilient material. The cooperating idler roll 70 is provided with one or more annular beading rings 72 the inner diameters of which fit snugly about the roll so that they may be adjusted longitudinally to desired positions at which they are retained by frictional engagement with the roll. These annular beading rings depress into the resilient surface of the driven roll to provide stiffening ribs in sheet metal as the latter is drawn through the rolls. By this means the positions of beading ribs may be varied over the length of the roll simply by adjusting the positions of the rings. In this regard it is conventional practice to provide fixed beading rings cooperating with fixed grooves in the driven roll. Thus, the rolls must be changed when the position of the stiffening beading is to be changed.

The purpose of mounting the metal rolling component 64 for pivotal movement on the axis of the pivot shafts 66 is to afford retracting it behind the plane of the backing support 24 when it is not in use. Sheet metal on the backing support thus may be moved freely across the space normally occupied by the rolling component.

To the right of the metal rolling component is a metal bending component 74, commonly known as a metal break. This component also is mounted vertically for pivotal movement on the axis of shafts 76 journaled in bearings supported by the horizontal longitudinal frame members. Details of this component are best seen in FIGS. -8. It includes a vertical frame member 78 which supports top and bottom guide channel members 80 and 82 which extend horizontally frontward therefrom. The pivot shafts 76 are supported by these channel members. Secured between the channel members at the forward ends thereof is a vertical male die support 84 in the form of a box frame. A vertically elongated metal male die 86 is positioned freely between spaced elongated bars 88 secured to the support, and is secured removably to the support by means 4 of the bolts 90. The working edge of the die is disposed on the axis of the pivot shafts 76.

Cooperating with the male die is a female die. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the female die is formed of an elongated bar 92 of resilient material such as high density rubber, synthetic plastic such as polyurethane resin, or others. it is secured in a die block 94, as by means of a press fit, and the block in turn is secured to a box frame support 96. This support is mounted freely at its upper and lower ends in the guide channels 80, 82 for movement toward and away from the male die. Rollers 98 on the support ride on the inner edges of the guide channels to facilitate such movement. Coil springs 100 extend between the male and female die supports (FIG. 8) and urge the female die assembly resiliently away from the male die.

The female die is driven toward the male die by means of a pair of hydraulic cylinder units. The cylinders 102 of the units are mounted on the frame members 78. The piston of each unit has a piston rod 104 which extends outward of the cylinder and mounts a bracket 106 which carrieda pair of opposed rollers 108. The piston rods of the two units extend in opposite directions, as illustrated, and one roller of each unit bears against the member 78. The other roller of each unit rides on an angular cam member 110 projecting from the adjacent end of the female die support. Accordingly, as hydraulic fluid under pressure is admitted to the cylinder to move the pistons and associated rods vertically in opposite directions, the rollers move along the cam members and drive the female die toward the male die. As the die members move together, with a sheet of metal interposed between them, the metal male die 86 presses into the resilient block 92 forming the female die, and the sheet metal is bent to the angle defined by the male die.

As the dies of the metal break move together and the interposed sheet metal starts to bend angularly forward, the operator pivots the break assembly 74 about the pivot shafts 76 so as to maintain one section of the sheet metal against an adjacent portion of backing support 24. Although the opposite section of metal bends outward of the apparatus, it is supported in a substantially vertical position and thus does not tend to bend and warp excessively. Accordingly, the operator is able to process the sheet metal without assistance.

Means also is provided for notching the opposite ends of sheet metal simultaneously as it is bent by operation of the break unit 74. This is provided in the embodiment illustrated by a pair of notching cutters 112 of substantially triangular shape secured in spaced apart relation to the male die 86 removably by the bolts 114. Thus, as the dies close the notching cutters enter the metal along the line of bending and sever a triangular piece from the opposite ends simultaneously during the bending operation. Threaded openings in the metal die may be provided at longitudinally spaced intervals for mounting the notching cutters to accommodate different widths of sheet metal being processed.

The pivotal mounting of the break unit 74 provides the additional advantage of accommodating the formation of square or rectangular ducts of small dimensions, limited only by the distance between the male die 86 and the front end of the male die support 84. By pivoting the break unit during successive braking operations, the unprocessed portion of the sheet metal is kept clear of engagement with adjacent components of the apparatus. Accordingly, the sheet metal may be bent successively along predetermined lines to form all the bends necessary to produce a square or rectangular tubing.

To the right of the break unit is located the edge forming unit 116 illustrated in FIGS. 9-12. A pair of longitudinally spaced vertically elongated guide beams 118 are secured to the horizontal frame members 16. A carriage plate 120 is mounted on the guide means for vertical movement relative thereto. Thus, the carriage plate is provided with a plurality of angle brackets 122 each of which mounts a pair of guide rollers 124, 126 which engage surfaces of a guide beam 118 disposed at right angles to each other (FIG. 11).

The carriage plate is provided with an enlarged central opening 128. Disposed in back of the carriage plate and covering the central opening is a circular turntable member 130 supported for rotation by the circumferentially spaced rollers 132. These rollers are mounted on bolts which extend through the carriage plates. An enlarged washer 134 on the back of each bolt overlies the back surface of the turntable member, whereby to retain the latter between said washers and carriage plate. A pair of clamp plates 136 are mounted on threaded studs 138 projecting forward from the turntable member 130 and overlie a portion of the carriage plate. A clamping nut 140 on the stud is rotatable to releasably engage the clamping plate to the carriage plate, to releasably secure the turntable member to the carriage plate in a desired degree of relative rotation.

Mounted on the turntable member 130 is mechanism for edge forming the sheet metal with various types of locking configurations, such as Pittsburgh corner, snap and others. Thus, a pair of spaced plates 142, 144 are secured edgewise to the turntable, by such means as the bolts 146 and spacers 148, the latter spacing the plates forwardly of the carriage plate 120.

A pair of cooperating support plates 152, 154 are arranged one in alignment with each of the first named fixed support plates 142, 144 and supported for adjustment relative thereto by means of the rods 156 (FIG. The inner ends of the rods are threaded through threaded openings in the shafts 158 extending between and secured to the fixed plates. The outer portions of the rods extend freely through openings in shaft 160 which extend between and are secured to the movable plates. Coil springs 162 encircle the rods between the shafts and urge the movable plates outward relative to the fixed plates.

Outward of the shafts 158 the rods freely receive the cam members 164 each of which is provided with an arcuate socket associated with its shaft. The cam member is retained on the rod in engagement with its shaft, by means of the washers 166 and enlarged bolt head 168 on the rod.

A lever 170 (FIG. 9) is secured to and extends radially from each cam member and are interconnected pivotally by a link 172. An operating handle 174 projects from one of the levers for manual manipulation.

The foregoing arrangement provides for fine adjustment of the spacing between the fixed support plates 142, 144 and the movable support plates 152, 154 by rotation of the rods 156. Such rotation moves the rods longitudinally relative to the shafts 158 with which the rods are in threaded engagement. Rapid adjustment of the movable support plates relative to the fixed support plates is accommodated by manual rotation of the cam members 164, by the handle 174, through 90 relative rotation. Thus, referring to FIG. 10, the position of the cam members is such that the shafts 160 are seated in the cam sockets and therefore the movable support plates are spaced apart from the fixed support plates. However, when the cam members are rotated 90 they push the shafts 160 out of the sockets and thus move the movable support plates toward the fixed support plates.

Mounted on and extending between the movable support plates 152, 154 are a plurality of longitudinally spaced shafts 176 each of which mounts a gear 178. These gears are interconnected by idler gears 180 mounted on shafts supported by one of the plates. In similar manner, a plurality of spaced shafts 182 are mounted between the fixed plates 142, 144 and mount gears which are interconnected by idler gears. A drive gear arrangement interconnects the gears and a pulley 182 which is connected through the drive belt 184 to a pulley mounted on the output drive shaft of an electric motor 186. The motor is supported by a mounting bracket 188 secured to the rear side of the turntable 130.

The shafts 176 and 182 are arranged in pairs and project outwardly from both sides of the support plates. On the ends projecting from one side of the plates the shafts support complementary pairs of sheet metal rolling dies 190. The pairs of dies are arranged sequentially in the direction of relative movement of sheet metal to effect stepwise bending and forming of a desired lock configuration, in manner well known in the art. In similar manner, the ends of the shafts projecting from the other registering plates support pairs of complemenshaft 198 of the cutter blade 202 and engages the chain 206 which is reeved over sprockets mounted on shafts 208 and 210 supported by the bracket 194. A second sprocket on the shaft 210 engages a chain 212 which is trained about a sprocket secured to a shaft 182 supporting one of the roller dies. Since this shaft is driven by the motor, the cutter 202 is driven synchronously therewith. The sizes of sprockets are chosen to provide equal rotation of the roller dies and cutter, as will be understood.

The shaft 196 supporting the other cutter blade 200 mounts a sprocket 214 (FIG. 12) which engages a chain 216 trained about a sprocket 218 mounted on a shaft 220 supported by the bracket. This shaft also supports a gear which meshes with a gear 222 mounted on the shaft 208. Accordingly, the cutter 200 is driven from the same source as the other cutter 202 but in the opposite direction of rotation.

tary rolling dies 192 to provide for the formation of a different type of sheet metal lock.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, means is provided for cutting the sheet metal at the edge lock contemporaneously as the lock is formed. To this end a bracket 194 is secured to one end of the fixed support plates, preferably the leading end thereof with relation to the direction of relative movement of sheet metal therethrough. At the outer end of the bracket there is mounted a pair of spaced shafts 196, 198 which support rotary sheet metal cutter blade 200 and 202. The lapping portions of the blades are disposed appropriately relative to the plane of movement of sheet material through the pairs of rolling dies.

The cutter blades preferably are driven synchronously with the rolling dies, to insure proper feed of sheet metal. Such synchronous operation is provided in the embodiment illustrated, as follows: A sprocket 204 (FIG. 10) is secured to the Although power means may be provided for moving the carriage 120 vertically along the guide beams 118, the preferred arrangement illustrated affords manual movement with minimum effort. To this end counterweight means is provided for substantially balancing the weight of the carriage and the edge-forming and cutting mechanism supported thereby. Thus, a pair of cables 224 (FIG. 10) are attached at one end to the carriage and then extend upward over pulleys 226 mounted rotatably at the top of the guide beams 118. The cables then extend downward through vertically elongated tubes 228 secured to the guide beams and are attached at their outer ends to heavy weights 230 selected to counterbalance the weight of the carriage assembly. By this means the operator may move the carriage assembly vertically with minimum effort.

The carriage may be secured in any position of vertical adjustment by such means as the set screws 232 (FIG. 9) mounted in brackets 234 secured to the carriage and adapted to releasably engage the guide beams 118. Such means is provided for securing the carriage in a desired position of vertical adjustment when it is desired to edge form a horizontal edge of sheet metal. For this purpose the turntable clamps 136 are loosened and the turntable rotated from the position illustrated in FIG. 9 to arrange the rolling dies and cutters on a horizontal line. An index mark 236 on the turntable and corresponding marks 238 on the carriage, disposed at 90 intervals, are provided for this purpose.

The operation of the apparatus described hereinbefore is as follows:

If sheet metal products are to be lined with insulation material, the latter may be unrolled from the roll 18, drawn through the open shear 22 to a desired length established either by the graduated scale 30 or by the adjusted position of the stop 42, and then the shear operated to sever the insulation material. When a plurality of equal lengths of insulation material are to be provided, the stop member 42 normally is employed.

When it is desired to cut sheet metal to desired lengths, the sheets are withdrawn from the storage compartment, supported at its bottom edge on the horizontal edge support 16' and slid along the groove 28 through the open shear and adjusted to desired length as determined by the scale or stop member.

If it is desired to provide sheet metal with longitudinal beading, the rolling unit 64 is adjusted to accommodate feeding of sheet material between the resilient surfaced driven roll 68 and the roll 70 carrying the beading rings 72. The latter may be adjusted longitudinally to desired positions, as previously explained.

If it is desired to produce round pipe of sheet metal, the beading rings 72 are removed from the roll and said roll and the other idler roll (not shown) of the conventional unit are adjusted radially with respect to the resilient covered driven roll 68 to effect rolling of sheet metal to desired diameter, in manner well known in the art.

If it is desired to form square or rectangular duct, the rolling unit is pivoted inward about the axis of its pivot shaft 66 so that it is disposed behind the plane of the backing support 24. Sheet metal on the backing support then is moved through the space between the open male and female dies of the break unit 74, to a desired distance determined by reference to the scale 30 or by abutment with a stop member 42. The hydraulic cylinders then are operated to extend their piston rods 104 and drive the female die 92 toward the male die 86 to effect bending of the sheet metal and simultaneous end notching by the preadjusted notching cutters 112. As the sheet metal is bent by operation of the break, the latter may be pivoted about the axis of its pivot shaft 76 to maintain one section of the sheet metal against the backing support. Since the other section is disposed substantially vertically, it is quite stable and thus is easily guided by the operator without additional assistance.

After the female die has been retracted, by reverse operation of the cylinder units, the sheet metal is readjusted to a position for making the second bend and end notches, whereupon the foregoing procedure is repeated. Since the break assembly may be pivoted in either direction about its pivot axis, the sheet metal is movable to positions out of engagement with adjacent parts of the apparatus. Accordingly, the break functions effectively to produce all bends required for the duct. Moreover, because of the minimum distance between the male die and the outer wall of its support block, relatively small dimension ducts may be formed.

Since the axis of the male die is perpendicular to the horizontal bottom edge support for the sheet metal, the bending line normal to the bottom edge of the sheet is established automatically.

Let it now be assumed that it is desired to form an edge lock on the vertical edge of sheet metal supported on the horizontal edge support against the backing support. Let it also be assumed that the edge forming roller dies 190 are arranged sequentially to form the edge lock as the unit moves vertically downward. Accordingly, the edge forming and cutoff unit is moved to its elevated position and the leading edge of the sheet metal is positioned properly with respect to the roller dies and cutter wheels 200, 202. The operator than energizes the drive motor 186 and pulls the unit downward until the cutter wheels engage the sheet metal. Thereafter, the driven cutter wheels and roller dies effect continued downward movement of the unit.

If a different form of edge lock, provided by the other set of roller dies 192, is desired to be formed in the vertical edge of the sheet metal, the turntable 130 is rotated l80 from the position illustrated in FIG. 9, clamped in position relative to the carriage, and the latter moved to its lowermost position. The operator then moves it upward until the roller dies engage the bottom edge of the sheet metal, whereupon the carriage unit is driven upward by driving engagement of the roller dies with the sheet metal. Since the cutter wheels are not aligned with the roller dies 192, only edge forming can be effected.

Alternatively, the turntable may be retained in the original position first described, and the sheet metal fed to the roller dies 192 from the opposite side with the carriage moving downward from its elevated position.

If it is desired to form an edge lock on one of the horizontal edges of sheet metal supported on the horizontal edge support, the turntable is rotated 90 from the position illustrated in FIG. 9 and the carriage is adjusted vertically to proper horizontal alignment of the roller dies. The carriage then secured in adjusted position by tightening the set screws 232. The sheet metal then is moved into engagement with the cutter wheels or roller dies, as before.

If it is desired merely to cut sheet metal without edge forming it, the pairs of roller dies are separated quickly and easily simply by rotating the cam members 164 manually by the handle 174 to the position illustrated in FIG. 10. The sheet metal thus may be drawn between the spaced roller dies for processing merely by the cutter wheels.

The apparatus described hereinbefore forms an integral unit on a common frame and utilizes a minimum of floor space for its use, since all of the sheet metal working components are arranged substantially vertically for processing sheet metal also arranged vertically. The apparatus is sufficiently compact that it may be mounted on a truck for transport to a site for on-job use. The eliminates the time and costs normally incident to the transfer of sheet metal products from a fixed point of manufacture to the job site.

it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the size, number, type and arrangement of parts described hereinbefore, without departing from the spirit of this invention.

Having now described my invention and the manner in which it may be used, I claim:

11. Apparatus for processing sheet metal, comprising a. a frame, b. elongated backing support means on the frame extending substantially vertically for supporting sheet metal thereagainst, c. elongated edge support means on the frame extending substantially horizontally for supporting the bottom edge of sheet metal, and d. a plurality of sheet metal processing means spaced apart on the frame and disposed substantially vertically for processing sheet metal supported by the edge and backing support means, one of said sheet metal processing means comprising a pair of rolls mounted on the frame for pivotal movement on an axis substantially parallel to the plane of the backing support means, for adjusting the rolls between operative positions intercepting the plane of said backing support means and a retracted position in which both rolls are disposed behind said plane. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of the rolls has a resilient surface and the other roll frictionally supports for longitudinal adjustment thereon at least one annular bead forming ring.

3. Apparatus for processing sheet metal, comprising a. a frame, b. elongated backing support means on the frame extending substantially vertically for supporting sheet metal thereagainst, c. elongated edge support means on the frame extending substantially horizontally for supporting the bottom edge of sheet metal, and d. a plurality of sheet metal processing means spaced apart on the frame and disposed substantially vertically for processing sheet metal supported by the edge and backing support means, one of said sheet metal processing means comprising edge lock forming means mounted on the frame for vertical movement relative to the latter, the edge lock forming means including 1. a carriage member mounted on the frame for vertical movement relative thereto, and

2. driven edge forming roller means mounted on the carriage member for moving the carriage member by driving engagement of the roller means with sheet metal supported on the frame, while contemporaneously forming an edge lock in the sheet metal.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 including counterweight means for substantially balancing the weight of the carriage member, cable means interconnecting the counterweight means and carriage member, and pulley means on the frame supporting the cable means intermediate its ends.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 including a turntable mounted adjustably on and parallel to the carriage member, the driven edge lock forming roller means being mounted on the turntable member.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the edge lock forming means includes a plurality of pairs of driven forming rollers, a pair of roller support members on the carriage each mounting one roller of each pair, and adjustment means interengaging the pair of roller support members for moving one of the latter toward and away from the other whereby to move all of the rollers mounted on the movable support member simultaneously toward and away from the rollers mounted on the other support member.

7. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the edge lock forming means includes cutoff means comprising a pair of rotary cutting members mounted on the edge lock forming means for cutting sheet material while contemporaneously edge forming it.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the rotary cutting members are coupled to the driven roller means for simultaneous rotation.

9. ln apparatus for processing sheet metal and including a frame and sheet metal support means, metal rolling means comprising a pair of rollers one of which has a resilient surface and the other of which frictionally supports for longitudinal adjustment thereon at least one annular bead forming ring.

10. In apparatus for processing sheet metal and including a frame and sheet metal support means, metal edge lock forming means comprising a carriage member mounted on the frame for transverse movement relative to the sheet metal sup port means, and driven edge lock forming roller means mounted on the carriage member for moving the carriage member by driving engagement of the roller means with sheet metal on the support means, while contemporaneously forming an edge lock in the sheet metal.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 including a turntable member mounted adjustably on and parallel to the carriage member, the driven edge lock forming roller means being mounted on the turntable member.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the sheet metal support means is disposed substantially vertically, the carriage member is mounted on the frame for vertical movement, counterweight means is provided for substantially balancing the weight of the carriage member, cable means interconnects the counterweight means and carriage member, and pulley means on the frame supports the cable means intermediate its ends.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the edge lock forming means includes a plurality of pairs of driven forming rollers, a pair of roller support members each mounting one roller of each pair, means securing one of the support members to the carriage member, adjustment means interengaging the pair of roller support members for moving one of the latter toward and away from the other, and cutoff means mounted on the edge lock forming means and comprising a pair of rotary cutting members mounted on the edge lock forming means and coupled to the driven roller means for simultaneous rotation for cutting sheet material while contemporaneously edge forming it.

14. Apparatus for processing sheet metal, comprising a. a frame b. elongated backing support means on the frame extending substantially vertically for supporting sheet metal thereagainst,

c. elongated edge support means on the frame extending substantially horizontally for supporting the bottom edge of sheet metal, and

d. a plurality of sheet metal processing means spaced apart on the frame and disposed substantially vertically for processing sheet metal supported by the edge and backing support means, one of the sheet metal processing means comprising edge lock forming means mounted on the frame for vertical movement relative to the latter, the edge locking forming means including driven edge forming roller means, and cutoff means comprising a pair of rotary cutting members mounted on the edge forming means for cutting sheet material while contemporaneously edge forming it.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the rotary cutting members are coupled to the driven roller means for simultaneous rotation.

16. In apparatus for processing sheet metal and including a frame and sheet metal support means, metal edge lock forming means comprising a carnage member mounted on the frame for transverse movement relative to the sheet metal support means, a plurality of pairs of driven forming rollers, a pair of roller support members on the carriage member each mounting one roller of each pair, means securing one of the support members to the carriage member, adjustment means interengaging the pair of roller support members for moving one of the latter toward and away from the other, and cutoff means mounted on the edge lock forming means and comprising a pair of rotary cutting members mounted on the edge forming means and coupled to the driven roller means for simultaneous rotation for cutting sheet metal while contemporaneously edge forming it. 

1. Apparatus for processing sheet metal, comprising a. a frame, b. elongated backing support means on the frame extending substantially vertically for supporting sheet metal thereagainst, c. elongated edge support means on the frame extending substantially horizontally for supporting the bottom edge of sheet metal, and d. a plurality of sheet metal processing means spaced apart on the frame and disposed substantially vertically for processing sheet metal supported by the edge and backing support means, one of said sheet metal processing means comprising a pair of rolls mounted on the frame for pivotal movement on an axis substantially parallel to the plane of the backing support means, for adjusting the rolls between operative positions intercepting the plane of said backing support means and a retracted position in which both rolls are disposed behind said plane.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of the rolls has a resilient surface and the other roll frictionally supports for longitudinal adjustment thereon at least one annular bead forming ring.
 2. driven edge forming roller means mounted on the carriage member for moving the carriage member by driving engagement of the roller means with sheet metal supported on the frame, while contemporaneously forming an edge lock in the sheet metal.
 3. Apparatus for processing sheet metal, comprisIng a. a frame, b. elongated backing support means on the frame extending substantially vertically for supporting sheet metal thereagainst, c. elongated edge support means on the frame extending substantially horizontally for supporting the bottom edge of sheet metal, and d. a plurality of sheet metal processing means spaced apart on the frame and disposed substantially vertically for processing sheet metal supported by the edge and backing support means, one of said sheet metal processing means comprising edge lock forming means mounted on the frame for vertical movement relative to the latter, the edge lock forming means including
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 including counterweight means for substantially balancing the weight of the carriage member, cable means interconnecting the counterweight means and carriage member, and pulley means on the frame supporting the cable means intermediate its ends.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 including a turntable mounted adjustably on and parallel to the carriage member, the driven edge lock forming roller means being mounted on the turntable member.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the edge lock forming means includes a plurality of pairs of driven forming rollers, a pair of roller support members on the carriage each mounting one roller of each pair, and adjustment means interengaging the pair of roller support members for moving one of the latter toward and away from the other whereby to move all of the rollers mounted on the movable support member simultaneously toward and away from the rollers mounted on the other support member.
 7. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the edge lock forming means includes cutoff means comprising a pair of rotary cutting members mounted on the edge lock forming means for cutting sheet material while contemporaneously edge forming it.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the rotary cutting members are coupled to the driven roller means for simultaneous rotation.
 9. In apparatus for processing sheet metal and including a frame and sheet metal support means, metal rolling means comprising a pair of rollers one of which has a resilient surface and the other of which frictionally supports for longitudinal adjustment thereon at least one annular bead forming ring.
 10. In apparatus for processing sheet metal and including a frame and sheet metal support means, metal edge lock forming means comprising a carriage member mounted on the frame for transverse movement relative to the sheet metal support means, and driven edge lock forming roller means mounted on the carriage member for moving the carriage member by driving engagement of the roller means with sheet metal on the support means, while contemporaneously forming an edge lock in the sheet metal.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 including a turntable member mounted adjustably on and parallel to the carriage member, the driven edge lock forming roller means being mounted on the turntable member.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the sheet metal support means is disposed substantially vertically, the carriage member is mounted on the frame for vertical movement, counterweight means is provided for substantially balancing the weight of the carriage member, cable means interconnects the counterweight means and carriage member, and pulley means on the frame supports the cable means intermediate its ends.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the edge lock forming means includes a plurality of pairs of driven forming rollers, a pair of roller support members each mounting one roller of each pair, means securing one of the support members to the carriage member, adjustment means interengaging the pair of roller support members for moving one of the latter toward and away from the other, and cutoff means mounted on the edge lock forming means and comprising a pair of rotary cutting members mounted on the edge lock forming means and coupled to the driven roller means for simultaneous rotation for cutting sheet material while contemporaneously edge forming it.
 14. Apparatus for processing sheet metal, comprising a. a frame b. elongated backing support means on the frame extending substantially vertically for supporting sheet metal thereagainst, c. elongated edge support means on the frame extending substantially horizontally for supporting the bottom edge of sheet metal, and d. a plurality of sheet metal processing means spaced apart on the frame and disposed substantially vertically for processing sheet metal supported by the edge and backing support means, one of the sheet metal processing means comprising edge lock forming means mounted on the frame for vertical movement relative to the latter, the edge locking forming means including driven edge forming roller means, and cutoff means comprising a pair of rotary cutting members mounted on the edge forming means for cutting sheet material while contemporaneously edge forming it.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the rotary cutting members are coupled to the driven roller means for simultaneous rotation.
 16. In apparatus for processing sheet metal and including a frame and sheet metal support means, metal edge lock forming means comprising a carriage member mounted on the frame for transverse movement relative to the sheet metal support means, a plurality of pairs of driven forming rollers, a pair of roller support members on the carriage member each mounting one roller of each pair, means securing one of the support members to the carriage member, adjustment means interengaging the pair of roller support members for moving one of the latter toward and away from the other, and cutoff means mounted on the edge lock forming means and comprising a pair of rotary cutting members mounted on the edge forming means and coupled to the driven roller means for simultaneous rotation for cutting sheet metal while contemporaneously edge forming it. 